DHAKA: The incumbent government will not give any approval of new factory outside the exclusive economic zone, said industries minister Amir Hossain Amu.

The minister told media on Wednesday after the conference of Deputy Commissioners (DC) with the ministry of industries.

Amu said initiatives have been taken to move leather industry to Savar. Every factory must have to install Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP).

Sources from the conference said that there is no place for new industry in Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) zones in most of the districts. The Deputy Commissioners have demanded new acquirement of land.

Regarding this, the minister said that he expressed his opinion in favor of land acquisition. Besides, he had passed directives to cancel plot license of them who did not establish factories in BSCIC land.

The DCs at the conference put importance on establishing agro-based industries as well as to launch combined fisheries, poultries and dairies to meet the demand of nutrition.

At the conference, Bhola Deputy Commissioner proposed economic zone utilizing gas available at the area. Moreover, geographically Bhola is situated in between Chittagong and Mongla sea ports. Waterways can be used in carrying goods.

BDST: 1552 HRS, JULY 09, 2014